Council members to honor Vel Phillips, Willie Hines

Attorney Vel Phillips, the first alderwoman in Milwaukee's history, and former Common Council President Willie L. Hines will be recognized during Tuesday's Common Council meeting.

The ceremony is expected to begin at 9 a.m. in the Common Council chambers at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

Phillips celebrated her 90th birthday on Feb. 18. In 1956, she became the first alderwoman in the city's history and the first African-American on the Common Council.

In 1971, she became the first African-American woman to serve as a judge in Wisconsin and the first woman to serve as a judge in Milwaukee. In 1978, she became the first woman and first African-American elected to a constitutional office when she became secretary of state.

Hines resigned as Common Council president on Feb. 1. He is now associate director of the Housing Authority of Milwaukee.

Hines was first elected alderman in 1996, and was elected by council members to the council presidency in 2004.